Lazio secured their spot in the Europa League Round of 16 with a commanding 3-1 victory against Ajax in Amsterdam, featuring goals from Loum Tchaouna, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and a stunning strike from Pedro.
The Aquile had previously won all their matches in the tournament until a controversial 0-0 draw with Ludogorets, where they were denied a clear penalty despite a VAR review. Injuries to Alessio Romagnoli and Matias Vecino added to their challenges, while security concerns kept their fans away from the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Ajax, under coach Francesco Farioli, faced their own issues, with Owen Wijndal suspended and several key players, including Davy Klaassen and Benjamin Tahirovic, unavailable.
The match kicked off with Ajax’s Bertrand Traoré curling a shot wide, and Taty Castellanos nearly capitalizing on a weak back-pass from Youri Baas. However, it was Lazio who struck first. Boulaye Dia pressured Kenneth Taylor into a mistake, allowing Castellanos to send Tchaouna through on goal, who finished confidently against goalkeeper Remko Pasveer.
Ajax responded with some near misses, including Brian Brobbey’s header that went wide. Just after halftime, they equalized when Traoré blasted home a rebound after Lazio’s Luca Pellegrini had cleared Taylor’s header off the line.
Lazio quickly regained the lead within minutes as substitute Mattia Zaccagni delivered a low cross that Dele-Bashiru converted at the back post. Pasveer made crucial saves to keep Ajax in the game, denying Tchaouna and an offside Castellanos.
The visitors extended their lead with a spectacular goal from Pedro. Nuno Tavares initiated the play from deep in his own half before Tchaouna executed a clever back-heel flick to set up Pedro for a precise shot into the far top corner.
Ajax continued to press for another goal; Castellanos had an opportunity to make it 4-1 but was thwarted by Pasveer’s outstretched hand. Traoré then struck the crossbar, followed by Mandas making an impressive save against Chuba Akpom. The match ended with Akpom missing a free header and Gaaei hitting the frame of Lazio’s goal in stoppage time.
With this victory, Lazio not only solidified their place in the knockout stage but also showcased their attacking prowess and resilience despite facing several adversities throughout the match.
Goals: Tchaouna 12 (L), Traore 47 (A), Dele-Bashiru 52 (L), Pedro 77 (L)
Ajax (4-3-3): Pasveer; Rensch (78′ Gaaei), Sutalo, Baas, Hato; Taylor (78′ Rasmussen), Henderson, Berghius (72′ Akpom); Traore, Brobbey (72′ Weghorst), Godts (57′ Fitz-Jim).
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Mandas; Lazzari (46′ Marusic), Gigot, Patric (72′ Gila), Pellegrini (70′ Nuno Tavares); Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Tchaouna, Dia (46′ Zaccagni), Pedro (88′ Guendouzi); Castellanos.
